| Communications and Development |  |
Published by Communications and Development
Four UC Opportunity staff recently completed the gruelling 100 kilometre Oxfam Trailwalk Challenge in Taupo in an impressive 25 hours and 6 minutes. But while the walking is over, the fundraising continues.
The team of Director Liz Tully, Business Manager Dennis Parker, Bridging Programmes Teacher Dereck Porter and Craig McAllister, a sales consultant in the Professional and Executive Development programme, finished 67th in a field of 265 teams.
Associate Professor Jim Tully, who supported the team during the event with Community Education administrator Shandley Wenborn and marketing co-ordinator Megan Wilks, says he had tears in his eyes as the team walked the last 100 metres.
“The UC Opportunity team had not only completed the demanding, undulating course across farmland at the north end of the lake but they had done so in style. I wished all the staff at UC Opportunity and the others who have supported the team's fund raisers could have seen this outstanding and courageous effort.”
He says the team maintained a steady pace and overcame fatigue, blisters, chafing and 11 hours of night walking.
“They had their moments. One was talking of pulling out because of an injury but rallied and carried on. The team did UC Opportunity - and the university - proud. This was no doddle. Think about it: it was 100 kilometres, effectively non-stop, over challenging terrain. It took guts, determination and sheer grit.
Each line on their strained faces told a story. At the finishing line, they were too tired to celebrate or display elation. It had been bloody hardgoing. And as one of those privileged to share the experience, I still get tearful when I think of what they achieved.”
Donations to Oxfam can be made on the team's web page.
For further information please contact:
Corporate Affairs Manager
University of Canterbury
Ph: (03) 364 2910
Mobile: 021 417 289
john.macdonald@canterbury.ac.nz